United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina calls for urgent, systemic response after recent child trafficking case

The sexual exploitation of two underage girls in Tuzla, and subsequent allegations of a similar case in Sarajevo, reportedly involving members of law-enforcement and other public officials, represents a human rights violation and criminal offence, as well as a grave breach of trust and reflects profound institutional and societal shortcomings in systems designed to safeguard children and uphold their dignity. 

These cases are a stark reminder of the risks faced by children, especially those without parental care, and of the devastating consequences when protection systems fail. They underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral, and systemic response rooted in the best interests of the child. 

The United Nations in BiH stands in solidarity with the survivors and with all children who have endured similar trauma, echoing the call for zero tolerance for all forms of sexual violence and exploitation. Immediate, impartial, and thorough investigations, the prosecution of all perpetrators, are necessary in ensuring accountability at every level. We commend the courage of the survivors and urge responsible institutions to ensure immediate and ongoing access to specialized, child-friendly, and trauma-informed protection services, including psychological support, healthcare, and legal aid, while fully respecting their privacy and dignity.

Systemic reforms are urgently needed to ensure that the justice, law enforcement, education, and social protection sectors work together to prevent such abuses. In line with the mandates of UN agencies in BiH, we call on authorities at all levels of government to take immediate and concerted action towards an urgent reform of the child protection system, prioritizing family-based care and preventing institutionalization. Key actions should include: immediately reviewing the safety of all residential institutions; accelerating the transition to family and foster care; and strengthening support for at-risk families. To ensure child safety, confidential reporting channels for abuse must be established, inter-agency coordination enhanced, and specialized training provided for professionals. Accountability should also be strengthened through strict risk assessments for everyone in the protection system and law enforcement agencies, independent oversight mechanisms to investigate misconduct, and robust disciplinary measures for failures in child protection.

Protecting children from violence is not only a moral imperative – it is a legal and institutional obligation under Bosnia and Herzegovina’s domestic legislation and international treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Istanbul Convention. Every child deserves safety, justice, and the chance to grow up in a society that safeguards their rights and humanity.

The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina reiterates its full commitment to supporting the authorities and civil society in strengthening mechanisms for prevention, survivor-centered protection and effective accountability. We offer our technical expertise, global best practices, and resources to help build a society where every child is safe, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential. We will continue to strengthen cross-sectoral systems that place the protection, dignity, and best interests of children, women, and girls at the centre of all institutional responses. We call on all stakeholders to unite in demanding and delivering a future where such crimes are prevented, and where the most vulnerable are truly shielded from harm.

UN BiH Resident Coordinator on behalf of United Nations Country Team in Bosnia and Herzegovina